The National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development of Ethnic Minority Areas is not simply a policy package – but a long-term, comprehensive strategy. With a sustainable, comprehensive and humane approach, the Program is gradually narrowing the development gap between mountainous and lowland areas.

Completing infrastructure, opening a way out of poverty for the highlands

After nearly 5 years of implementation, the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority Areas for the 2021-2025 period has created strong turning points, especially in the infrastructure system - which used to be the biggest bottleneck slowing down the development of remote areas.

In remote, mountainous and isolated villages where many ethnic minorities live, concrete roads are now extending to remote villages, opening the way for goods to be traded, children to go to school, and people to access healthcare and services. According to statistics, by the end of 2024, the whole country has achieved many breakthrough results: 100% of extremely disadvantaged communes have car roads to the center, most of which have been solidified, ensuring convenient travel all year round. 98% of villages and hamlets have asphalt or concrete roads, gradually eliminating the "muddy rain, dusty sun" scene, promoting connectivity between residential areas.

In the northern mountainous provinces such as Lao Cai, Son La, Ha Giang, etc., hundreds of new inter-village and inter-commune road projects have been invested in. Lao Cai alone has completed 173 rural traffic projects in the first phase of the Program, creating a major shift in regional connectivity and development.

Not only roads, essential infrastructures are also invested synchronously and comprehensively: 100% of communes in ethnic minority areas have medical stations; 99.8% of households have access to the national grid - a great step forward in ensuring daily life and production. 96% of households have access to clean water, significantly improving the quality of life and preventing epidemics.

For example, the Central Highlands region, with 5 provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong, is a land rich in potential but also faces many challenges in infrastructure. Thanks to the synchronous implementation of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development of Ethnic Minority Areas, this region has recorded positive changes.

In Dak Nong, more than 15,000 ethnic minority households in disadvantaged communes have been provided with new electricity in the 2021-2023 period; In Gia Lai province , the Program has supported the construction of more than 90 water supply works in extremely disadvantaged communes, helping to overcome the shortage of domestic water during the dry season...

The above figures not only reflect improvements in infrastructure but also demonstrate the State's attention and investment in ethnic minority areas, contributing to promoting sustainable socio-economic development.

Creating livelihoods from effective models

Many livelihood models suitable to regional characteristics have been implemented synchronously within the framework of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development for Ethnic Minority Areas, bringing about clear and sustainable results.

These are solutions that not only increase people's income, but also contribute to cultural preservation, environmental protection and climate change adaptation. More importantly, these models are promoting the transformation of the rural economic structure, awakening the internal strength of the community and creating a foundation for people to escape poverty in a sustainable way.

For example, in the Central Highlands, one of the bright spots is the model of growing medicinal plants under the forest canopy, typically in Lam Dong province. The Co Ho people have cleverly combined forest protection with economic development, creating livelihoods closely linked to local resources, while reducing pressure on natural resources. In Dak Lak, the model of supporting breeding cows is spreading strongly. In Krong Pac district alone, more than 320 breeding cows have been given to poor and near-poor households, opening up opportunities for hundreds of families to rise up. Some places have also implemented linkages with businesses, ensuring stable output and increasing product value.

In the Central Coast, the model of raising cows for reproduction in Cam Lam district (Khanh Hoa), or reviving traditional crafts such as brocade weaving in Quang Nam, pottery making in Ninh Thuan... not only creates local jobs, but also contributes to maintaining intangible cultural values ​​that are at risk of disappearing.

Positive developments have also been recorded in the northern mountainous region. In Bac Kan, people in Thuong Giao commune have switched to growing Solanum procumbens – a medicinal plant with high economic value – to replace the previously ineffective plants. Many other localities have developed community tourism, such as in Ha Giang and Lai Chau, combining the preservation of ethnic culture with attracting tourists, creating a stable source of income, promoting pride in identity and preserving traditional customs.

These livelihood models are clear evidence of the flexibility, practicality and inter-regional nature of policy implementation. This not only reduces the rate of poor households quickly and sustainably, but also promotes ethnic minority communities to proactively participate in the socio-economic value chain, contributing increasingly to the overall development of the country.

Rapid and sustainable poverty reduction

Synchronous efforts from policies, infrastructure investment, to livelihood support have created a clear shift in poverty reduction in ethnic minority areas - one of the core and consistent goals of the National Target Program.

The year 2024 marks a strong step forward in poverty reduction in Vietnam, with results exceeding expectations, reflecting the effectiveness of social security policies and development programs for ethnic minority areas.

Accordingly, the national poverty rate decreased to 1.93%, equivalent to 599,608 households, exceeding the target of reducing by more than 1% compared to the previous year. The poverty rate in poor districts decreased to 24.86%, a decrease of about 5% compared to 2023, showing a significant improvement in the most difficult areas.

At the same time, the poverty rate among ethnic minorities decreased to 12.55%, a decrease of nearly 4%, reaching and exceeding the target assigned by the National Assembly and the Government. Notably, the national multidimensional poverty rate (including poor and near-poor households) in 2024 was 4.06%, a decrease of 1.65% compared to 2023.

These figures not only demonstrate the success of the National Target Programs, but also reflect positive changes in people's lives, especially in remote areas.